Under-cabinet lighting creates a distinctive ambiance by providing focused illumination for countertops and workspaces. Homeowners often use these fixtures to enhance kitchen cabinets, bathrooms, offices, basements, safes, and other areas that can benefit from additional task lighting.
Most under-cabinet lighting systems cost between $19 and $58 or more, depending on the type, features, and number of lights you choose. Beyond price, we recommend looking at brightness, power source, installation requirements, and control options. Read on to explore our favorite under-cabinet lighting picks available on Amazon.
Key Takeaways
- The Litever Under-Cabinet Lighting Kit ranks as the best overall under-cabinet lighting option for its comprehensive package, which includes six bar lights and dimmer functionality.
- Under-cabinet lighting typically costs between $19 and $58 on Amazon, depending on the type and quantity.
- It’s important to consider power source and installation method, as battery-powered models offer easy setup, while plug-in versions provide consistent performance without requiring battery replacement.
Top 8 Under-Cabinet Lighting Kits
After reviewing options on Amazon, we came up with the following list of the best under-cabinet lighting options.
- Litever Under-Cabinet LED Kit: Best Overall
- WOBANE Under-Cabinet LED Strip Kit: Best LED Strip Lights
- Brilliant Evolution Under-Cabinet Lights: Best Battery-Powered Lights
- Philips Hue Lightstrip Starter Kit: Most Flexible
- RXWLKJ Portable Under-Cabinet Lights: Best Rechargeable Lights
- EZVALO 6-Pack Under-Cabinet Puck Lights: Best Puck Lights
- BLS LED Closet Light: Best Wireless
- TORCHSTAR Smart LED Safe Lighting Kit: Best for Smart Homes
Compare Top Under-Cabinet Lighting Options
Compare our picks for the best under-cabinet lighting options based on shape, power source, and more below.
| Product | Light Count | Shape | Power Source | Mounting | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Litever Under-Cabinet LED KitCheck Price | 6 | Bar | Plug-in or hardwire | Adhesive strips or hardware | Best for overall use |
WOBANE Under-Cabinet LED Strip KitCheck Price | 4 | Strip | Plug-in | Adhesive strips | Best for LED strip lights |
Brilliant Evolution Under-Cabinet LightsCheck Price | 6 | Puck | AA batteries | Adhesive strips or hardware | Best for battery-powered lights |
Philips Hue Lightstrip Starter KitCheck Price | 1 | Strip | Plug-in | Adhesive tape | Best for flexibility |
RXWLKJ Portable Under-Cabinet LightsCheck Price | 1 | Bar | Rechargeable battery | Adhesive strips or magnets | Best for rechargeable lights |
EZVALO 6-Pack Under-Cabinet Puck LightsCheck Price | 6 | Puck | Rechargeable battery | Adhesive or built-in hooks | Best for puck-style design |
BLS LED Closet LightCheck Price | 1 | Bar | AA batteries | Adhesive strips | Best wireless |
TORCHSTAR Smart LED Safe Lighting KitCheck Price | 6 | Strip | Plug-in | Adhesive tape | Best for smart homes |
Our Reviews of the Best Under-Cabinet Lighting
Best Overall
Litever Under-Cabinet LED Kit
Good for: Any surface lighting space within your kitchen or home
This high-quality lighting kit includes everything you need to mount and use its six bar lights, including adhesive pads, clips, screws, extension cords, and a dimmer. You can use three pads for a quick, easy setup, or use the included hardware for a more secure, lasting installation.
Pros and Cons of Litever Under-Cabinet LED Kit
- Includes a dimmer to adjust the brightness between 0% and 100%
- Offers two installation options: plug-in or hardwired
- Comes with extension cords to reach far-away outlets
- Hardwiring requires a certified electrician
- Not compatible with pre-existing dimmer switches
Key Features
- Complete hardware kit with mounting clips
- Dimmer for adjustable brightness
- Plug-in or hardwired installation
- Six 12-inch LED bars with 2,000 lumens of light
What People Are Saying About The Litever Under-Cabinet LED Kit
We found that satisfied customers said the lights were easy to install and provided bright illumination. However, several negative reviews raised longevity concerns and said the lights burned out after several years of use.
Best LED Strip Lights
WOBANE Under-Cabinet LED Strip Kit
Good for: Desks, wall edges, or designing custom shapes
We like how you can arrange this low-profile lighting system in a line, rectangle, or zigzag pattern. Once you decide on a layout, you can remove the backing to reveal a sticky surface. Place and press the tape lights in your desired location, join the connectors, then plug the strip into the nearest outlet and adjust the brightness to fit any mood or task at hand. The included remote control allows you to turn the lights on or off and adjust the brightness.
Pros and Cons of WOBANE Under-Cabinet LED Strip Kit
- Adheres quickly to most surfaces with the included mounting strips
- Affixes to furniture, televisions, ceilings, and other areas
- Includes eight strips with a combined length of 13 feet
- Electric power source can limit installation locations
- Included remote control has mixed customer feedback
Key Features
- Produces 1,100 lumens of warm white light
- Eight strips totaling 13 feet
- Comes with a remote control
- Strong adhesive backing
What People Are Saying About The WOBANE Under-Cabinet LED Strip Kit
Satisfied customers have praised this kit’s energy efficiency, brightness, and ease of installation. Many customers say the lights offer a fun way to add a subtle glow to their space. On the other hand, some users mentioned being disappointed that the lights aren’t dimmable, and others felt they didn’t last as long as expected.
Best Battery-Powered Lights
Brilliant Evolution Under-Cabinet Lights
Good for: Lighting small nooks, hallways, or other small spaces
You can place all six puck lights in one space, spread them out down a hallway, use one or two as task lighting, or illuminate dim closets and nooks. Each puck runs on three AA alkaline batteries, which the manufacturer provides. The batteries should last 100 hours at full brightness or longer on dimmer settings.
Pros and Cons of Brilliant Evolution Under-Cabinet Lights
- Included remotes to control brightness and timer settings
- Runs for up to 100 hours at 100% brightness before needing new batteries
- Features low-profile design, as the frame is only 1.25 inches thick
- Each puck runs off three AA batteries
- Only gives off 55 lumens per light
Key Features
- 100-hour runtime on three AA batteries
- Adhesive or screw mounting options
- Six battery-powered pucks with a remote
- Timer settings from 15–120 minutes
What People Are Saying About The Brilliant Evolution Under-Cabinet Lights
Customers leaving positive reviews on Amazon thought these lights were easy to install and use. They also mentioned liking the hue of the lights and their long-lasting battery life. However, a few customers were dissatisfied with their purchase because the lights occasionally turned on randomly, and others reported poor battery life.
Most Flexible
Philips Hue Lightstrip Starter Kit
Good for: Easy connection with multiple strips
You can bend and shape this flexible light from Philips to fit your space’s design. It comes with a 10-foot strip that you can trim based on included cut marks to best fit your area. Or, you can extend the light up to 32 feet with additional strips, making it a great fit for anywhere in your home.
Pros and Cons of Philips Hue Lightstrip Starter Kit
- Can sync with your PC or connect to Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant
- Can be wirelessly synced to music
- Can be controlled indoors or outdoors
- Has a high price point
- Some customers said the adhesive tape didn’t stick well
Key Features
- Compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Homekit
- Easy Bluetooth connection
- Remote control via the HUE app
- True color design
What People Are Saying About The Philips Hue Lightstrip Starter Kit
Customers who gave this product a positive review liked that the kit was easy to set up and has high brightness. Others were impressed with its app compatibility and the number of settings it features. However, several reviewers were let down by this light’s adhesive tape, and some have had issues getting the light to turn on and off.
Best Rechargeable Lights
RXWLKJ Portable Under-Cabinet Lights
Good for: Bathrooms or other areas that require motion-activated light
These rechargeable battery-operated lights retain an impressive charge thanks to built-in motion sensors. The light turns on when it detects movement within 10 feet and turns off after 20 seconds of inactivity. This provides just enough light to get by at night while walking through your kitchen for a snack.
Pros and Cons of RXWLKJ Portable Under-Cabinet Lights
- Features on, off, and motion-sensing modes
- Shuts off after 20 seconds of no movement to save energy
- Detects movement at a wide 120-degree angle
- Recharging takes several hours
- Not compatible with screw-in installation installation
Key Features
- 10 LED lights with 100-lumen output
- Rechargeable battery
- Magnetic mount with adhesive backing
- Three modes, including a motion sensor
What People Are Saying About The RXWLKJ Portable Under-Cabinet Lights
Most customer reviews expressed satisfaction with the rechargeable light bars and said the lights were easy to install, bright, and long-lasting. On the other hand, a minority of buyers felt like the motion sensor wasn’t sensitive enough, as the light didn’t always turn on when expected.
Best Puck Lights
EZVALO 6-Pack Under-Cabinet Puck Lights
Good for: Easy installation without tools
The EZVALO under-cabinet light packs 76 high-efficiency LEDs into six pucks, with three adjustable color temperatures: warm, natural, and daylight. The pucks have smooth 10%–100% dimming with a memory function that recalls your preferred brightness setting every time. The pucks also include built-in magnets or adhesive pads, making installation a no-drill, no-hassle process on almost any surface.
Pros and Cons of EZVALO 6-Pack Under-Cabinet Puck Lights
- Designed to swap batteries without dismounting from the surface
- Has versatile lighting color options
- Features easy, tool-free installation
- Has a short, six-hour battery life
- Lacks the brightness of other lighting options we’ve found
Key Features
- Motion sensor with 120-degree detection range
- Rechargeable with magnetic mounting
- Remote control with timer functions
- Three white light options plus 12 RGB colors
What People Are Saying About The EZVALO 6-Pack Under-Cabinet Puck Lights
Customers consider these under-cabinet lights excellent quality and appreciate the brightness options, including three color-temperature settings and dimming. The lights are easy to install, with one customer noting they can get mounted anywhere without tools. While the battery life has received mixed reviews, some customers say it actually lasts longer than expected.
Best Wireless
BLS LED Closet Light
Good for: Areas without an electrical outlet nearby
If you prefer a wireless light, this motion-activated unit turns on automatically when someone gets within 10 feet. This light comes in numerous shades and has three different lighting modes. Additionally, this light delivers 180 lumens of light and comes with adhesives for easy setup.
Pros and Cons of BLS LED Closet Light
- Has a cordless design and can be used with batteries or a USB
- Can last up to 6 months before battery replacement is needed
- Has a variety of sensor options
- Has a harsher white light than some other models
- Motion sensor doesn’t always work perfectly
Key Features
- Adjustable light beam and sensor direction
- Battery or USB power options available
- Motion sensor activates within 10 feet
- Has three modes, including an auto function
What People Are Saying About The BLS LED Closet Light
Customers who liked this product said it provides ample light and was easy to mount and install. Several customers were also impressed with its motion-sensor capability. However, some reviewers said the batteries ran out quickly, and the adhesives weren’t as strong as expected.
Best for Smart Homes
TORCHSTAR Smart LED Safe Lighting Kit
Good for: Smart home connectivity
These lights are compatible with Amazon Alexa, so you can turn them on and off using voice control for maximum convenience. Additionally, you can control the lights via a smartphone app. The kit comes with high-quality 3M adhesive tape you can use to install the lights wherever convenient for you.
Pros and Cons of TORCHSTAR Smart LED Safe Lighting Kit
- Has a dimming feature that gives you control over how much light is being emitted
- Can be adjusted to shine light in different angles
- Includes a timer function that can be controlled via the app
- Has fewer lumens than some other lights
- May not be the best choice for users that aren’t tech-savvy
Key Features
- Has a stepless dimming feature
- 3M adhesive tape installation
- Alexa and smartphone app control
- Six 12-inch linkable light bars
What People Are Saying About The TORCHSTAR Smart LED Safe Lighting Kit
Customers who left positive reviews for this product liked that they could shine light from various angles and turn the light bars on with Alexa. Others were impressed by their dimmability. However, some reviewers said the lights were difficult to pair with voice control. Others felt the connection cords were shorter than they had anticipated.
Under-Cabinet Lighting Buying Guide
Before you invest in under-cabinet lighting, it’s important to consider how each model’s specifications could impact your at-home experience. For example, if you’re looking for a small, cordless light to leave on in the bathroom, a puck light set may work best. However, if you’re seeking more customizable options and lighting that can fill out an entire basement or game room, strip lights may serve you better.
A string of lights tucked underneath a run of cabinets can even have a brightening effect throughout an entire room. This Old House Magazine describes these hidden fixtures as “workhorses in the kitchen” but notes that you can also use them in a home office, laundry room, or workshop for task lighting over surfaces.
Types of Under-Cabinet Lights
There are various types of under-cabinet lighting, with the most popular types coming in the form of pucks, light bars, and strips.
- A puck light features a compact, circular form factor that closely resembles a hockey puck.
- The light bar design features a long, rectangular form factor and is the most common style on the market.
- LED strip lights are highly flexible and customizable to suit a wide range of tastes and settings.
Pro Tip
- When choosing between fixture styles, keep your countertop material in mind. Puck-style lights can cause a glaring “headlight effect” over high-gloss surfaces like stainless steel and polished marble, as noted in This Old House Magazine. They look best over matte surfaces like soapstone or butcher block. Strip lights, on the other hand, provide bright, evenly diffused, shadowless light that is ideal for task-heavy counters.
Control Mechanisms
If you want to sync your under-cabinet lights with the rest of your kitchen lighting, look for a model that works with a wall switch. You can also find lights with remote controls and integrated motion sensors.
Lighting Color and Tone
You can find LED under-cabinet lights in various colors. While yellow and white lights are the most common, you can purchase blue, green, red, and color combinations like white and blue. You can also adjust the color temperature to adjust the ambiance of your kitchen or workspace.
Power Sources
In general, under-cabinet lights draw power from electrical cords or batteries. Battery-powered models offer simple, versatile installation. Although most of these lights use disposable alkaline batteries, some models have rechargeable batteries.
Electric-powered lights have limited mobility because they rely on a nearby outlet. However, they don’t need battery recharges or replacements.
Voltage and Brightness
Most under-cabinet lighting has either line voltage (120 volts) or low voltage (12 or 24 volts). Low voltage allows you to operate smaller lights and gives off less heat. The brightness level of under-cabinet lights is typically measured in lumens. Light fixtures that produce at least 250 lumens per foot should provide ample light.
LED under-cabinet fixtures use about an eighth as much energy as halogen alternatives, produce virtually no heat, and can last up to 60,000 hours. Modern peel-and-stick LED tape systems also daisy-chain together, offering customization for any kitchen configuration, including L-shaped layouts with wall cabinets of varying heights.
Lighting Brands
Some of the most trusted brands for under-cabinet and accent lights include:
- Brilliant Evolution
- Cadrim
- DAYBETTER
- GE
- Govee
- Litever
- Phillips
- Ultra Pro
- WOBANE
How To Install Under-Cabinet Lighting
Generally speaking, you need very little time and effort to install under-cabinet lighting. Most under-cabinet lighting systems include adhesive backing, mounting clips, or simple brackets that allow for a quick installation. Before you begin, measure and mark each mounting location to ensure even spacing and consistent light coverage across your mounting space. Gather any necessary tools, like drills, measuring tape, and a hammer, then position each fixture according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
After mounting the lights, power them on if they’re battery powered or connect them to a power source. Secure any visible wires to create a clean, professional appearance. The best way to hide a power cord is to pin it to the underside of your cabinet using a cable protector.
Test each fixture to confirm proper operation and adjust the placement if any areas receive too much or too little light. Once you complete the setup, your new lighting system can improve visibility and add a polished look to your kitchen, bathroom, or workspace.
Pro Tip
- This Old House Magazine advises that when installing peel-and-stick LED tape lights, keep the strip 1–2 inches back from the cabinet’s face frame to distribute light evenly across the backsplash and countertop. If you have a dark countertop, install the tape against the back of the face frames, with the LEDs facing the backsplash, to eliminate bright spots. To run LED tape underneath a row of cabinets, drill 1/2-inch-wide holes through the sides of the neighboring cabinets so the tape can run continuously along the run.
Under-Cabinet Lighting Safety Tips
Under-cabinet lighting is a good option for saving ceiling space and adding ambiance to your home. However, it’s important to keep a few safety tips in mind when using and installing under-cabinet lights.
- Avoid overloading outlets: Under-cabinet lighting should be plugged into outlets or circuits that can properly handle the load. Avoid overloading outlets by plugging in multiple appliances or lights at once. If you’re unsure of how much an outlet can handle, consult an electrician.
- Check for certification: When purchasing under-cabinet lighting, look for products labeled as “end-user ready” by recognized safety organizations, like Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or Intertek (ETL). These qualifications ensure the lights have been tested and meet specific safety standards.
- Follow installation instructions carefully: Read and follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions carefully, as improper installation can pose safety hazards. If you’re unsure about how to install the lighting properly, consider hiring a professional electrician to do it for you.
- Keep flammable materials away: Avoid placing flammable materials, like curtains, paper, or plastic, near the under-cabinet lights. Maintaining a safe distance from these materials can help reduce the risk of something catching fire.
- Turn off power before installation: Before installing or performing any maintenance on under-cabinet lights, always turn off the power supply at the circuit breaker. This can help prevent electrical shock.
- Use proper lighting for wet areas: If you’re installing under-cabinet lighting in areas prone to moisture, like above the kitchen sink or in the bathroom, make sure to use fixtures specifically rated for wet locations to help prevent electrical hazards.
FAQs About Under-Cabinet Lighting
What type of under-cabinet lighting works best for kitchens?
The type of under-cabinet light that works best for your kitchen depends on your use case and preference. If you have a bright, contemporary kitchen, high-lumen LED lights make sense. For dimmer, rustic kitchens, consider lighting with dimming and color-adjustable functionality.
Where should I install my under-cabinet lighting?
Homeowners typically install under-cabinet lighting in kitchens or bathrooms, but you can also place it on cabinets in home offices and garages.
Can I leave LED strip lights on at night?
Yes. LED light strips use little power and produce little heat, so you can use them as night lights if you get up in the middle of the night for a snack or to use the bathroom.
Our Methodology
To provide our readers with the best possible lighting recommendations, we rely on several key sources to guide our selection process.
- Initial research: Our research process began by generating a list of under-cabinet lights with a significant number of verified buyer reviews and an average customer review rating of 4–5 stars. We looked at positive and negative reviews alike, focusing on information from both satisfied and critical buyers.
- Expert insights: Over the years, we’ve learned that listening to what others have to say is key to producing accurate, well-rounded articles. To complement our in-house expertise, our team reviewed and watched videos from trusted publications and independent testers, spoke with subject-matter experts, and drew insights from reader contributions.
- Final product selection: We then began fine-tuning our list by replacing older models with the latest versions and eliminating any discontinued models. From there, we pared the list down further by comparing each model’s feature set and selecting the best-in-class options for a variety of buyers, budgets, and scenarios.
Why You Can Trust Us
This Old House has empowered homeowners and DIYers for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement advice through television programs, print media, and digital content.
Our team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content. To date, we’ve published over 1,600 reviews on products in the home improvement space, from ceiling fans and floor coating to doorbell cameras and garage door openers.
Once we conclude our research, we craft a comprehensive, user-friendly article of recommended products and additional information to help our readers make the right purchase.
